Nigeria: Governor Bago urges Niger residents to stand firm against bandit attacks
By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria
Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago has urged residents to take a stand and defend themselves against bandit attacks, declaring that his administration will never negotiate or pay ransom to kidnappers.
During a visit to Rijau and Magama local government areas, where several communities were recently attacked, the governor said it was time for citizens to unite and protect their lives and property. He stressed that paying ransom only encourages criminals to continue their activities.
“The moment we start paying ransom, they will keep kidnapping. This has become a fight we must all face together. We are surrounded by threats, but we will not give up. The constitution gives every citizen the right to defend themselves,” he stated.
Governor Bago described the continuous attacks and displacement of residents as unacceptable and announced plans to recruit and train 10,000 members of the Joint Task Force (JTF) to strengthen local security.
He also declared a total ban on mining activities across eight local government areas — Magama, Kontagora, Rijau, Wushishi, Mariga, Borgu, Mashegu, and Agwara — noting that illegal mining has contributed to rising insecurity in those regions.
“It’s suspicious that miners move freely in the forests while residents face constant attacks. From now on, anyone caught mining illegally will be arrested,” he said.
The governor assured victims of recent attacks that his administration would offer support, including compensation for bereaved families, medical care for the injured, and assistance for those who lost their means of livelihood.
